PhD Position (f/m/d) at the Excellence Cluster Future Forests, University of Freiburg

<4 weeks left

Part-time

Research and Instruction

The Institute of Social and Cultural Anthropology is seeking for the project "Imagining Future Forests: Decision-Making Practices in the Introduction of Contested Tree Species" a committed candidate for a PhD Position (f/m/d) at the Excellence Cluster Future Forests, University of Freiburg

Application deadline: 25. January 2026
Publication date: 11. December 2025
Start-date: 1. April 2026
Scope of work: Part-time position (75 %)
Id no.: 00004705

Description

The Excellence Cluster Future Forests at the University of Freiburg is an interdisciplinary research center dedicated to questions of adaptation and transformation of forests and their societal use in the face of global change. Future-oriented research on the complex interactions between forests and society is conducted here with outstanding international visibility, supported by the German Research Foundation. Future Forests brings together more than 50 researchers from four faculties as well as non-university partner institutions.

This particular project examines how hopes, expectations, and fears about the future shape decision-making regarding new (and contested) tree species. Specifically, it investigates how ecological properties, cultural values, and institutional practices interact in shaping decisions about the potential introduction of new tree species.

Your Tasks

Design and implementation of an independent ethnographic field research (lasting a total of approx. 12 months) on images of future forests in the Black Forest
Writing up and publishing the research results; contributing to joint scientific publications and presentations at national and international conferences
Collaboration in the area of Practices of Decision Making for Future Forests and other interdisciplinary and international research teams within the cluster
Active involvement in and contributions to cluster activities, workshops, and outreach events

Your Profile

· Completed university degree (M.A. or equivalent) in social and cultural anthropology or related disciplines

· Experience in empirical social research, preferably using ethnographic methods

· Ability to work independently and collaborate in interdisciplinary and international teams

· Very good written and spoken English and German

· Keen interest and enthusiasm for or proven experience in societal relevant research

We Offer

· An exciting interdisciplinary environment within an internationally renowned researchers at a newly established Excellence Cluster

· Structured support and supervision for your scientific and career development

· A diverse, collaborative, and inclusive research community, including initial University and cluster-specific onboarding support

· Opportunities for further education, attendance at conferences, and professional networking

· Flexible working hours and support with work-life balance

· Salary according to TV-L 13

· A financial budget for project-specific expenses as well as for career development activities

The University of Freiburg is dedicated to the principles of equal opportunity and diversity and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social background, religion/belief, disability, age, or sexual orientation.

Application

Please upload your application (including cover letter, CV, relevant certificates/transcripts, and, if applicable, publication list) by 25.01.2025 to the application portal of the University of Freiburg.

For questions, please contact: Michaela Haug (michaela.haug@ska.uni-freiburg.de)

The position is limited to 30. September 2029. The salary will be determined in accordance with TV-L E13.

Application

Please send your application including supporting documents citing the reference number 00004705, by 25. January 2026 at the latest. Please send your application to the following address in written or electronic form:

Institut für Sozial- und Kulturanthropologie
Werthmannstr. 10
D - 79085 Freiburg

For further information, please contact Frau Prof. Dr. Michaela Haug on the phone number +49 761 +49 761 203 3580 or E-Mail michaela.haug@ethno.uni-freiburg.de.

Apply now

Full-time positions may generally be split up into two or more part-time positions, provided that there are no formal or legal barriers. Candidates are selected in accordance with the provisions of the AGG (Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz - German General Equal Treatment Act).
Applicants with disabilities (Schwerbehinderte Menschen) will be given preferential consideration in case of equal qualification.
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